My Own Downtown Staff Focus: Tyler Bloomquist

Seven questions with Tyler Bloomquist, Artistic Director for the Cultural Core. Where does this Salt Lake native see our city in five years? Find out in our latest staff profile.

What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?

First engrained memory of downtown was seeing the abstracted Arches mural at Dinwoody Plaza on 100 S. between Main and West Temple when I was either 7 or 8 years old, wondering how it was done and wanting to do something just like it.

Fondest memory would be a tie between the many hours spent skateboarding, drawing, and people watching at the old SLC courthouse, what is now the downtown SLC Library/Library Square and sharing a late night tour around downtown with the artist Barry McGee.

What is your favorite thing about downtown?

Whether it be on the buildings, the neighborhoods, or the people, my favorite thing are the faces; both old and new.

How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?

I envision an engaging and welcoming street atmosphere that puts people first; inviting public spaces, interactive wayfinding, innovative decision making, and a density of diversity, all lead by the efforts and energy of our creative community.

If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?

It’s passive-aggressive nature because it’s an obvious waste of time and doesn’t do anyone any good.

Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?

High-energy = FICE for a new pair of sneakers to explore the city / SLC Library rooftop for the view / Memory Grove for a hike while still being in the city

Low-energy = Broadway Theaters for a film / Rio Gallery, UMOCA, and Modern West for art and historical design / Ken Sanders Rare Book for vintage postcards, reading material and the aroma of ink on paper

Food/drink = Gourmandise / Junior’s / Eva’s

Even though it’s not downtown = Gilgal Gardens

What's your favorite day of the year downtown?

The first warm, sunny Saturday of Spring. Everyone is out rocking their styles, sharing time with friends, seeing and being seen. The city has a certain contagious buzz and the shared goal of soaking in the sun, it’s a beautiful feeling.

When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?

Paint/draw, sit and people watch with a notebook and pen handy, watch films, read, consume music, consume culture, walk around the city, travel as much as possible - sometimes via GoogleEarth, basketball, coffee with friends and family, and plot with my wife Shalee.